AWI continues fight against mulesing
In a speech on March 13, chief executive at Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), Craig Welsh, reassured 190 weavers and spinners in Hong Kong that the Australian wool industry is committed to finding alternatives to mulesing by 2010. He talked them through alternatives to the cruel practice – which involves the removal of strips of wool-bearing wrinkle skin around the tail of the sheep.
Mr Welsh said: “I am personally committed to driving this company to meet the industry’s commitment.
“The manufacturers and retailers that I have been meeting throughout India, Hong Kong and China are saying that they need confidence from the Australian wool industry that surgical mulesing will be phased out by 2010,” he said.
“It is the clear role of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) to continue working as fast as possible to provide alternatives to woolgrowers to assist them to meet their commitment towards the 2010 phase out.
“AWI is working with retailers and manufacturers across the globe to provide the reassurance and confidence that the development of alternatives to mulesing is on track,” he said.
AWI also actively supports the use of pain relief.
The most promising current alternatives to surgical for mulesing are: clips; intradermal injection; and breeding.
“Australian Merino wool is a great natural and sustainable fibre; however, woolgrowers must change and adapt to their customers’ needs. This is the message that AWI/Woolmark consistently receives from wool apparel retailers and manufacturers,” concluded Mr Welsh.
